Patient Safety Assistant - Emergency Department - Day/Eve/Night

About the Role

This role serves to protect patients who are impulsive and at risk for falls, at risk for pulling out IV lines/tubes, require behavioral management, and/or present a risk due to psychiatric illnesses. This is a non-clinical employee who assists in the prevention of falls, deters impulsive behaviors, prevents injury or escape, and provides de-escalation of patient behaviors. The aide provides simple assistance such as ambulation, simple toileting, repositioning, and assistance with feeding/fluids, while engaging in therapeutic communication and activities to distract, occupy, and develop a positive supportive rapport with patients.

The aide is required to remain with the assigned patient at all times during their shift except when relieved by staff for breaks, remaining alert and observant. Patient observation can be performed virtually through video monitoring or by direct bedside observation based on hospital policy and patient criteria. This role also requires transporting patients as needed.

Responsibilities

• Maintains patient safety by preventing falls and injury due to impulsiveness.
• Maintains Behavioral Health patient safety.
• Provides one-on-one observation for high-risk elopement patients, patients requiring behavioral management, suicidal patients, or any other patient requiring one-on-one observation.
• Accompanies patient during transport and escorts patients as required.
• Obtains verbal report from the patient’s nurse regarding identified care needs to collaborate with the care team.
• Applies principles of caring and healing in interactions with patients, families, and colleagues.
• Provides for patient comfort, safety, and satisfaction by maintaining a safe and therapeutic environment.
• Provides simple assistance such as ambulation, simple toileting, repositioning, and assistance with feeding/fluids.
• Supports caregivers to maintain efficient flow of patient care.
• Maintains patient environment in a safe and orderly manner.
• Ensures constant, direct visualization of the patient to respond quickly to needs and safety.
• Remains present and mindful of the patient and environment at all times.
• Observes patient activity and behavior, defuses situations, and communicates regularly with the nurse, reporting pertinent observations.
• Engages patient in therapeutic communications and activities (e.g., playing cards, board games, therapeutic communication) to distract and develop rapport.
• Communicates professionally and demonstrates respect for patients, families, and healthcare team members.
• Offers support and feedback to peers and staff.
• Responds promptly and appropriately to crises or emergencies, utilizing principles of Milieu and Behavior Management Training (MBMT).
• Documents required information in the Electronic Health Record (EHR).
• May observe patients in isolation and don appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) per policy.
• Demonstrates commitment to safety by complying with regulations, reporting errors or hazardous conditions, and participating in safety programs.
• Complies with hospital policies and procedures, including infection control guidelines.
• Maintains confidentiality of patient information and a professional appearance.
• Floats to all units to provide care across the hospital.
• Performs other related duties as identified.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED.
• No prior experience required.
• Basic Life Support certification upon hire.
• Completion of the following training upon hire:
  • Behavioral Health Training Packet (LMS).
  • Sitter guidelines for safety 1:1 (LMS).
  • High Risk Observation (LMS).
  • Patient care assistant/sitter Epic training.
  • De-escalation class (8-hour class).
• Child Abuse Clearance.
• High Risk Observer Training.

Skills

• Good customer service skills.
• Excellent communication and de-escalation skills.